Our Final Verdict
We give the Air Mini+ a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
Effectiveness: 5/5
Aesthetics: 5/5
Ease of Setup: 4.5/5
Ease of Maintenance: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Molekule, originally known as Transformair, was founded in 2014 by siblings Dilip Goswami and Jaya Rao. Their father, Dr. Yogi Gaswami, was a University of Florida professor who created the groundbreaking PECO technology, or photo-electrochemical oxidation. This new method of air purification proved more effective than typical photocatalytic oxidation for destroying common air pollutants left behind by HEPA and carbon filters. Dr. Goswami made it his life’s mission to create better air purification methods and did so through rigorous testing of his PECO method at both the University of Florida and the University of South Florida. Using their father’s research, Dilip and Jaya were able to manufacture and launch the first air purifier of its kind in 2016, featuring Dr. Goswami’s proven PECO technology.
Since then, Molekule has expanded on the success of their first air purifier, and recently merged with another time-tested company, Aeroclean Technologies, to continue Dr. Goswami’s mission to “address the adverse impacts of polluted air”. The air purifiers manufactured today by the Molekule Group have also been cleared by the FDA, signifying the research and testing reports of Molekule’s technology have been validated. Based on the myriad of adverse health effects that are scientifically proven to be caused or worsened by indoor air pollution, every person should be considering the use of an air purifier, and the Molekule brand checks all the boxes.
About Molekule
The Molekule Air Mini purifier was launched in 2019, a smaller version of their existing Molekule Air, and soon followed by the Air Mini+, a beautifully sleek and compact purifier for room areas up to 250 sq ft. The Air Mini+ boasted the added feature of automatic particle detection adjustment, meaning the purifier would autonomously increase the fan speed if an increase in air particles were detected. Another added feature of the Air Mini+ was a stylish leather strap for ease of portability. This improved product from Molekule was rolled out as the perfect solution for anyone wanting to purify a smaller space, like an apartment or bedroom, using the same technology available in the larger Molekule Air model.
The Florida-based Molekule Group manufactures its air purifiers just outside of Tampa. Their products are available for purchase directly from their website, as well as such retailers as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Home Depot, to name a few. In 2021, Madison Square Garden named Molekule their Official Air Purification Partner with the intent to install Molekule Air Mini devices throughout their facility. In the wake of the initial Covid-19 epidemic, this was a significant step on the part of the “World’s Most Famous Arena” to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its patrons. In fact, a press release published later that year revealed that third-party testing at the University of Nebraska confirmed the results: more than 99% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for Covid-19 was destroyed by the Air Mini+ in controlled air spaces.
With the introduction of the Air Mini+, Molekule provided a convenient way for people with smaller spaces to address air pollution. Through superior air purification technology, The Air Mini+ promises to bring improved health and peace of mind to customers everywhere – whether the concern is everyday dust, pollen, and pet dander, or more serious pollutants like smoke, gas fumes, and viruses. As a Class II medical device, this state-of-the-art air purifier will prove beneficial to anyone, whether they are suffering from existing health conditions or simply want to protect and promote future health. Molekule notes: no air purification device takes the place of PPE in situations where these extra precautions are indicated.
Overview
Here is my overview of important things to know about the Molekule Air Mini+ purifier:
Technology
The Air Mini+ employs a 3-layer system for air purification: two standard filtration methods combined with Molekule’s own proprietary technology. This ensures that the Air Mini+ provides the most advanced air purification available on the market today, doing the most good for the most people. Every Air Mini+ purifier filters and cleans room air using the following proven systems:
- HEPA filtration (High-Efficiency Particulate Air)
- Carbon filtration
- PECO (Photo-Electrochemical Oxidation)
Most air purifiers on the market use HEPA and carbon filters, but these methods of filtration only capture particles, which means harmful pollutants like bacteria, viruses, and mold, have the potential to be released back into the air when the filter becomes oversaturated. Molekule’s added PECO technology uses light to destroy organic pollutants on the surface of the filter by breaking them down into harmless water and carbon dioxide. According to Dr. Goswami’s research, the PECO method is even capable of destroying VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) such as those released by cleaning supplies, carpet, and air fresheners. VOCs are the most likely pollutant to be released back into room air by standard filtration methods and can cause headaches, trigger asthma symptoms, and even cause cancer.
Pricing
At well under $400 and with free US shipping from their website, the Air Mini+ from Molekule is very reasonably priced for the technology it employs. It has been proven to capture and destroy a wide spectrum of pollutants – bacteria, viruses, mold, gasses from smoke, and VOCs – faster and more completely than other devices, and has even been shown to kill over 99% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus within one hour. Although there are many air purifiers for small rooms on the market that are priced much less, it is important to know that these models are far inferior to the complete room air purification that the Air Mini+ provides. The Air Mini+ is also Alexa-compatible and comes with a free app to monitor and control your device. Filter replacements can be purchased for around $100, but there is an auto-delivery option through Molekule that reduces filter cost by 20%, as well as a membership for reward points that can help save money on future purchases.
Contents
When you open the box that your Air Mini+ arrives in, the device is inside a drawstring sack with a bag of activated carbon on top to prevent your new air purifier from arriving with any odors or VOCs encountered in the shipping process. The filter is already inside the device but is sealed in plastic which must be removed prior to use. A large easy-to-read instruction card details a quick set-up with helpful images of the process on one side, and on the other side, brief information about the device’s touchscreen controls as well as the app features. A more detailed instruction manual is included as well, and a packet of supplemental instructions for users specifically targeting SARS-CoV-2.
Any other information desired by the user can be obtained by calling Molekule’s customer service, searching the online help pages, or reading the published reports on the performance of Molekule’s line of air purifiers (some of these are linked directly through the website, while other third-party testing reports are available online via other credible websites).
Maintenance
The Molekule Air Mini+ is a low-maintenance device. The plastic housing can be gently wiped down as needed, while the interior need not be accessed other than to replace the filter. The Molekule app, once paired with your device, will alert you when the filter should be changed, but the standard instructions from Molekule recommend replacing it every six months. Filters can be purchased through the brand’s website as well as their approved retailers. Molekule also offers an auto-delivery feature which not only ensures the user doesn’t forget the filter maintenance schedule, but also gives the customer a 20% discount on the filter cost. Depending on your environment, used filters may need to be disposed of in biohazard bags, which should be attainable from your local health department or healthcare provider.
Warranty
Molekule provides a 2-year limited warranty on all their air purifiers purchased through their website or an approved retailer. There is also an option at checkout to purchase a 1-, 2-, or 3-year extended protection plan to cover your device after the warranty runs out. Under an approved warranty claim, Molekule will either repair your purifier, or issue a replacement device, which may be new or refurbished. The replacement is then covered only under the remainder of the original warranty.
Purchases of new devices (not refurbished models) from Molekule’s website are allowed a 30-day home trial. If a customer is not satisfied with the Air Mini+, they can contact Molekule’s customer service to initiate a return and subsequently receive a refund. Purchasers of new devices from a retailer must contact that retailer to inquire about a refund.
In Summary
Pros
- Captures and destroys more pollutants faster than other devices
- Proven to capture and destroy VOCs as well as the SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 viruses
- Validated third-party testing
- FDA-cleared Class II medical device
- 3-layer filtration utilizing HEPA, carbon, and PECO technology
- 360-degree air intake
- Durable construction
- Easy assembly
- Highly portable
- Five fan speeds
- Auto-Protect feature to control fan speed
- Fan speed controllable through app (iOS or android)
- Compatible with Alexa
- Low noise
- In-device particle sensor with app-monitoring
- App alerts when to replace filter
- Auto-delivery of replacement filters available
- Free shipping in the continental US
- 30-day home trial
- 2-year limited warranty
- Member reward points club
- New devices and filter replacements available at many approved retailer locations
Cons
- Initial app pairing may be tricky for less tech-savvy customers
- Higher fan speed noise may interfere with sleep if used in a bedroom
- Only available in one color (white)
Key Features
Easy Setup
The Air Mini+ is ready to go as soon as you plug it in (make sure you remove the plastic from the filter first). It powers up as soon as connected to electricity, and has easy-to-use touchscreen controls on top of the unit. There is also an app available, for both Apple and Android users, that pairs with your device allowing remote fan speed adjustment and monitoring of current air particle levels. The app pairing can be a little tricky, but as long as the necessary permissions are enabled on your phone, there should not be an issue.
Superior Technology
Molekule added to existing HEPA and carbon filter technologies and brought improved air purification to its customers with the introduction of PECO, or photo-electrochemical oxidation. This new method of air pollutant destruction has proven superior to the more commonly implemented photocatalytic oxidation, and electrostatic filtration. Furthermore, this Class II medical device has been FDA-cleared, an achievement that indicates the testing reports submitted to the FDA for consideration were validated.
Auto Protect Mode
Although the Air Mini+ comes with five fan speeds, which can be controlled by the touchscreen on top of the unit or through the app, it also features a convenient Auto-protect mode. When this mode is activated, the unit will automatically adjust the fan speed as needed for the concentration of air particles detected by its on-board sensor. This convenient feature takes the guesswork out of running your Air Mini+ purifier – set it and forget it.
Low Maintenance
The Air Mini+ is low maintenance, with filter replacements indicated every six months, and no tools required for disassembly – just twist off the top to access the filter. There is also no need to open the unit to check the filter, as the app is monitoring this for you and will alert when replacement is needed. The plastic exterior is easily cleaned with a simple wipe down, although depending on the environment this device is being used in, some exterior disinfecting may be advised – just be sure not to spray any cleaners into the air intake or the particle sensor.
Is the Molekule Air Mini+ a Good Value?
The Air Mini+ brings proprietary technology to small spaces in an easy-to-use device. The manufacturer’s claim that their purifiers can capture and destroy more pollutants faster than the competitors is well-substantiated through rigorous third-party and internal testing. This FDA-cleared Class II medical device has even been implemented as the air purification method of Madison Square Garden through the widespread installation of the Molekule Air Mini. The cost of the Air Mini+, at around $350, may be more than many other purifiers for small spaces, but the value of this revolutionary device is irrefutable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of air pollutants can the Molekule Air Mini+ help eliminate?
Molekule’s air purifiers are effective against airborne bacteria, viruses, mold, pollen, smoke, pet dander, dust mites, and volatile organic chemicals like formaldehyde and acetone, which can be released into the air from carpet, furniture, and cleaning products. Some of these common pollutants found in our indoor air spaces can cause headaches, trigger asthma symptoms, aggravate allergies, or, in some cases, lead to infectious disease or cancer.
Can this purifier remove odors from my household?
The Molekule Air Mini+ captures and destroys odor-causing particles in the air. Whether these odors are from cooking, smoke, cleaning products, or paint, this device can help your small space smell fresher by removing these pollutants. If you have more than one room needing filtration simultaneously, you may want to purchase multiple Air Mini+ devices. However, this device is highly portable, so you can move it from room to room as needed – for example, use it in your living room or home office during the day and move it to your bedroom at night.
How noisy is the Air Mini+?
There are five fan speeds with increasing noise levels. The lowest fan setting produces a noise level similar to light rain. This sound is easily drowned out by normal conversation, a TV on normal volume, or even a ceiling fan. It is unlikely to be bothersome to anyone. The highest fan speed, on the other hand, is fairly noisy, and Molekule likens it to the sound of a small handheld vacuum. In a normal household, however, your unit is likely to run on the lowest fan speeds and should not create a noise issue.
How often does the filter need to be replaced?
The Molekule app will alert you when it is time, but the website indicates filter replacement should occur every six months.
Do I need the app in order to operate the air purifier?
The Air Mini+ will begin working independently from the app as soon as you plug it in. The app is available as a convenient method of controlling your unit, monitoring your particle levels, and receiving alerts when it’s time to replace the filter. Without the app, you can still operate your device via the touchscreen on top of the unit. If you choose to use the app, make sure all your phone’s permissions are enabled (including location), otherwise, you may have issues with the pairing process.
Our Experience With the Molekule Air Mini+
I recently received the Molekule Air Mini+ for use in my new home office. For years, this space has been a catch-all ‘junk room’, painted an unappealing matte brown and full of random furniture, photo albums, and paperwork needing filing. But also tucked in the corner was my laptop and printer.
Well, I finally did it. I cleared out the junk, filed away my important documents, and painted the walls pistachio green. I set up my laptop and printer in a way that I could use them without having to kick cardboard boxes out of the way first. I even got a gently-used bed from a relative to add to the room, so that the space could also serve as a guest room when needed. I finally had the room of my dreams, a clutter-free place where I could read, nap, or work on my computer.
There was just one problem – my new office did not smell so great. It smelled like paint – a smell that psychologically tricks you into thinking something’s clean, but there’s nothing clean about paint fumes. It also smelled like someone else’s house, thanks to the new-to-me mattress. And now the comforter on the bed was also covered with cat hair, as my kitty had started enjoying the room as well. I realized I had to do something.
I typed into my search bar “best air purifiers for paint fumes”, and scrolled down past the sponsored results until I reached a ‘Top 10’ list. Number 1 on that list read “Molekule Air Large Room Air Purifier – Best Overall”. I went straight to Molekule’s website to start shopping, and discovered the Air Mini+ for small rooms. At 160 sq ft, my home office was well beneath the 250 sq ft-capable Air Mini+, and I instantly adored the minimalistic design, which blends seamlessly with its surroundings. I read the product description, and placed my order.
I’ve been using my Air Mini+ purifier 24/7 for a week now, and I am thrilled to say my home office no longer smells like paint! My allergy symptoms from springtime pollen have improved. And I no longer notice the odor of the new bed. I also don’t mind that the cat is shedding all over the comforter, or that our new rescued dog spends all of her time in this room with me while I’m working on the computer. I know that the Air Mini+ is doing its job, sucking up all that pet dander, pollen, and harmful VOCs, making a safer space for me and my animals. The Air Mini+ promises to give you the cleanest room air possible, and that’s exactly what it’s done for me.
Conclusion
The Molekule Air Mini+ is quiet, emits only a very dim blue light at night, and does what it promises by making your home’s air crisper and cleaner. Between pet dander, pollen, and paint fumes, the Air Mini+ has been a blessing in my household, and I would highly recommend this purifier to anyone. Its beautiful clean lines also look amazing in any decor, and with its twist-off top and an easy-to-use app, setup and maintenance are a breeze. If you have a small space you’d like to make healthier through clean air, the Air Mini+ is the right choice.
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